Unite has said the stoppage at the plant in Edmonton, north London, will lead to millions fewer bottles of Coke being produced this month. The union warned that the dispute could escalate unless the company increases a 2% pay offer.

Workers will bring production to a halt from 3pm until 9pm. Further walkouts are planned later this month.

Unite national officer Jennie Formby said: "Frustrated workers are turning off the taps at this Coca-Cola bottling plant. They deserve a pay deal that reflects the true cost of living. With pre-tax profits up by 12% to £617.9m in 2009 and projections of better than expected results this year, the company can easily afford a fairer deal.

"We are very concerned by the lack of commitment from Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) to reaching a deal on this issue and the refusal to consider a compromise at Acas last week, instead choosing to reissue the previous proposal.

"Unless the company engages more positively with Unite, workers will become even more frustrated and we could well see an escalation of this dispute."

A company spokesman said: "We are expecting industrial action to take place at our Edmonton site today. This is disappointing as we remain open to further dialogue with all our employees and the union. We continue to believe this offers the prospect of a constructive outcome, and that the pay offer we have made is fair in the current climate."